I got in an accident with my mom's car. Will Progressive cover it?

My mom has Progressive insurance for her car, but I'm not listed on her policy. I was driving my mom's car when I got into an accident. Will Progressive cover this? I was going to a job interview and collided with an 18-wheeler. Nobody got hurt, but the windows on the right side shattered, and the frames were damaged. It would cost around $3,000 to fix. The police warned the truck driver and me but didn't ticket us, and nobody was at fault for the accident. So my question is, will the insurance company help us? Should I even tell the insurance company?

Whether Progressive covers the damage depends on whether you live with your mom. Insurance companies typically require anyone of driving age living in the household to be listed on a policy. This is because sharing vehicles within the same household is common, and insurers want a clear understanding of all potential risks.

The damage is likely covered if you don’t live with your mom or use the vehicle only occasionally (e.g., less than 12 times a year). Most major insurance companies include a permissive user clause in their standard policies, which allows coverage for individuals who borrow a vehicle from a friend or relative. However, this is not guaranteed, so it’s best to review the policy documentation or have your mom contact her Progressive agent to confirm the details about permissive users.

It’s also worth noting that some policies are named driver policies, where only the individuals explicitly listed are covered in the event of an accident. While these policies are uncommon, the accident might not be covered if you're not listed. Additionally, some policies may exclude drivers, meaning specific individuals are specifically excluded from coverage. The insurer will deny the claim if an excluded driver is involved in an accident. Excluded drivers are often those with a poor driving record, and excluding them can help the policyholder avoid higher premiums.

I recommend checking the policy details or speaking with Progressive to clarify how this situation is handled under the specific terms of your coverage.